Massive Epstein files released, questions, names and controversy

On 30th January 2026, the US Department of Justice made public- files related to the Jeffrey Epstein case under the Epstein Files Transparency Act passed by Congress. The release represents the largest public disclosure yet in the long-running investigation into Epstein’s sex trafficking network.

These files comprise more than three million pages, around 180,000 photographs, and nearly 2,000 videos. The files also include travel logs, recordings, emails and interactions with wealthy and powerful figures from the United Kingdom, Australia, Norway, Slovakia and India.

Jeffery Epstein was convicted of sex trafficking involving underaged girls, crimes that were proven in court. Epstein was convicted in 2008 of sex offences but avoided federal charges, by doing a deal with prosecutors. Instead, he received an 18-month prison sentence, which allowed him to go on “work release” to his office for 12 hours a day, six days a week. He was released on probation after 13 months.

In 2019, he was arrested again on charges including the sex trafficking of minors. But he died by suicide in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019 before his trial could commence.

His longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell was later convicted and, in 2022, sentenced to 20 years in prison for her role in recruiting and abusing minors. Notably, no other individuals have so far been prosecuted in connection with the case.

The newly released files contain emails and contact references that mention figures such as Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, George H. W. Bush, Elon Musk and Bill Gates. However, being named in Epstein files or emails does not mean a person is guilty of criminal wrongdoing, and, so far, no charges have been brought against individuals named in connection with the sex offender.

Former president Donald Trump has acknowledged that he once knew Epstein but says the relationship ended years ago and that he had no knowledge of Epstein’s crimes.

In Elon Musk’s case, the files reportedly show emails in which Epstein claimed Musk expressed interest in networking with influential people on Epstein’s islands. There is no evidence that Musk ever visited the islands or committed any crime.

Social media claims alleging that Bill Gates sought Epstein’s help for medical treatment related to alleged relationships with Russian women are not supported by evidence. The files show only that Epstein himself made such claims in an email. Gates has categorically denied them.

In an undisclosed interview included in the files, Epstein admitted he was a “sexual predator.” When asked, “Are you the devil?” he replied, “I’m not the devil… but I am afraid of the devil.” He described ethics as “a complicated subject” and claimed he had funded polio eradication efforts in Pakistan and India, highlighting the “ethical” parts of his personality.

The massive disclosure has renewed public scrutiny and debate over Epstein’s network and how much more remains hidden.